2014 & 2015 Ignore Webjet’s puerile shot, TAANZ advises ...taanz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/TRavelinc... · Tel: 09 966 2549 DDI [email protected] 15 years in the business

MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week



MEMOYour personal magazinetwice a week MEMOYour personal magazine

twice a week


FRI29 JULY

2016

IssUe928

BestBrokerBrand

2014 & 2015

TRAVELinc Memo is proudly supporting the 2016 NATIONAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS as media sponsor and sponsor of the Best Wholesaler category.

Continued on page 2

Oregon: the beer essentials Travel Oregon is romancing New Zealand with a product

guaranteed to win Kiwi hearts – beer. The tourism body’s 2016 Australasian trade mission, which

ends with a frothy head at Auckland’s Ponsonby Central on 9 August, will put a focus on the US state’s craft beer producers.

Two breweries and their brewmasters from Portland, Oregon, will join Travel Oregon trade delegations.

Travel Oregon chief executive officer Todd Davidson, says tourism has a US$10.8 billion economic impact on the state, adding the Australasia market was an important one for its industry.

As well as illustrating craft beer is a flourishing US$4.49 billion industry in Oregon, bringing breweries along to the mission was a way to say ‘cheers’ to the trade.

TRAVEL RECRUITMENT

SPECIALIST

HELEN CAMBELLTel: 09 966 2549 [email protected]

15 years in the business

• Account Manager – TD3090• Shorthaul Corp cons – TD3095• Group Consultant – Nth Shore – TD3036• Wholesale consultant - Sth Pacific – TD3101

AND MORE on the website

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Variety, Variety, Variety

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IndIa: a land of contrasts

G R E AT N E W I T I N E R A R I E S

G R E AT N E W S AV I N G S

2 0 1 7 B R O C H U R EO U T N O W

By Lisa BradleyThe Kiwi travel trade is shaking its

head that Webjet has again ‘sunk to new advertising lows’ in its battle for business.

New Zealand television this week featured Webjet’s new advert which rubbishes the ability of travel agents to provide for their customers. The online travel agent used a similar storyline on its advertising campaign, which aired about seven months ago.

In the new advert, a couple discussing flights comment those provided by an agent were not only out of date, but a better deal could be found online.

The advert, which drew the wrath of helloworld group chief executive Andrew Burnes, has been slammed by the trade in New Zealand too.

However, TAANZ chief executive officer Andrew Olsen says agents here should take comfort in the fact the new

Ignore Webjet’s puerile shot, TAANZ advises Kiwi trade

Andrew Olsen

trAveLinc Memo 29 July 2016 1

News

Discover our award-winning cabins on the A380 aircraft out of Sydney

and Melbourne, with easy

connections from New Zealand

South Island duo bound for Ireland

Selese Rowe from You Travel Timaru and Peta Marie McLeod, NZ Travel Brokers, Nelson, are to represent New Zealand on the Ireland Specialist mega famil next month.

Rowe and McLeod will join 10 others from around the globe on the 22 to 25 August trip.

The agents reached gold status on Tourism Ireland’s Ireland Specialists training site, www.irelandspecialists.com, to earn a shot at the famil.

Rowe and McLeod will travel to Ireland ahead of the famil, which will cover the culinary history of Belfast in Northern Ireland and Causeway Coastal Route featuring The Giant’s Causeway, the Gobbins Cliff Path and Dark Hedges (featured as The Kings Road in Game of Thrones).

In the Republic of Ireland, the agents will explore the world’s longest defined coastal driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as visit Kildare Village for shopping.

Participants will also take part in the Emerald Ireland Specialist challenge, the winner of which will be crowned at a networking event. www.irelandspecialists.com

Two countries in one tripExotic Holidays has created a combined

Vietnam and Angkor tour from $2393 per person.

The 13-day tour, for which travellers can add in flights from $891 per person, goes from Hanoi to Halong and then on to Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, The Mekong and Siem Reap.

The cost is based on low season pricing and is subject to change. [email protected]

campaign will not be taken seriously by Kiwi travellers.

‘A casual glance at the customer feedback on this company will satisfy our members that the end-to-end service you provide more than outweighs and outlives the short shelf life of these shock jock campaigns,’ says Olsen.

TAANZ doesn’t plan to ‘spend time and money’ on investigating the commercial, adding it does not breach advertising standards or competition laws.

‘Ironically, what they do is undermine the fact Webjet is a travel agent operating in a self-service channel, and they don’t seem to have a stand-alone value proposition they can promote without attempting to denigrate the tremendous work that TAANZ travel agents provide their customers,’ Olsen adds. Agents, on the other hand, have a solid-value proposition in these somewhat uncertain times of safe travel, Olsen says.

‘You offer your customers choice, destinational knowledge, product expertise, a very fair fee for your very good service and, as importantly, you will be there to assist when the customer needs you and your help.’

Olsen says the TAANZ board suggests Kiwi

trade ignore ‘this puerile shot’ and get on with the business of servicing the customers.

Nonetheless, several agents have come forward to slam the advert as a low blow.

Among them, Chris Harrop from YOU Travel in Mairangi Bay says Webjet’s decision to use a marketing strategy attacking the integrity of agents is nothing but poor form.

Harrop describes the sentiments of the adverts as hostile and ill-informed.

‘They are obviously fairly threatened by the experience and added value travel agents provide to their customers for which their online service can never provide.’

Meanwhile, Bon Voyage Cruises and Travel’s Gerard Murphy says it is interesting Webjet keeps ‘bleating on’ about travel agents and doesn’t see airlines as direct competition.

‘With the old “any publicity is good publicity” in mind, maybe it’s not a bad thing. A few people I have

spoken to in the last few months have said to me Webjet must be losing business to you guys... why are they worried about you?’CLICK HERE to view advert. Tell us what you think, email [email protected]

Ignore Webjet’s puerile shot, TAANZ advises Kiwi tradeContinued from page 1

TAANZ investigates insurance advertsTAANZ is investigating whether Southern

Cross has breached advertising standards in its recent radio campaign.

TAANZ chief executive officer Andrew Olsen says the company has been

advertising ‘cheaper than a travel agent’ direct insurance packages to customers on the radio.

If the adverts breach standards, TAANZ will take the appropriate action, he says.

Gerard Murphy

Chris Harrop


News

CALL NOW0508 396 842 www.exoticholidays.co.nz [email protected]

Endless options and all time favourite - Vietnam. www.exoticholidays.co.nz [email protected]

CALL NOW0508 396 842

Famil to Norfolk IslandAn agents’ educational to Norfolk Island

is taking place on Sunday, 4 September, returning via Brisbane on Wednesday, 7 September.

Ross McLauchlan, who represents Norfolk Island in New Zealand, says the famil includes a guided walk through the National Park to the coast, the Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, snorkelling in Emily Bay, old Kingston Town, Mt Pitt, a wine tasting at Two Chimney Wines, a number of options such as golf and a selection of food and beverage.

‘We are taking a maximum of nine participants so register now,’ he [email protected]

How well do you know Sydney

Agents, your specialist subject come September will be Sydney.

Destination NSW is running quiz nights for agents. The first will be held in Auckland on Tuesday, 27 September, at the Albion in Hobson Street. The quiz will then test Christchurch agents’ knowledge on Wednesday, 28 September, at Lonestar Riccarton.

Destination NSW will seek registrations in September.

ProMag Publishing has announced it is making changes to its print magazine, TRAVELinc, and online publication TRAVELinc Memo to better reflect the modern-day expectations of readers and advertisers in the travel sector.

In a joint statement, directors Trish and Stu Freeman and Ally Eastaugh say they are taking a new approach to the print side of ProMag’s business, while at the same time ‘super-charging’ its digital mediums.

As part of the new approach, TRAVELinc Magazine will be re-configured from its current bi-monthly print format into strongly themed specialist online and print editions of topical interest to the travel industry as well as bespoke publications for clients and business partners.

The company also plans to transfer selected print features to a digital format. These changes, to be rolled out during the next three months, will be seen in TRAVELinc Memo and on the website, www.travelinc.co.nz, which will undergo a facelift to better provide the travel trade with informative, relevant and engaging features and stories.

‘We see this process as making us more nimble in addressing the needs of our business partners,’ says director

TRAVELinc Magazine embraces the digital age

and editor at large Stu Freeman.‘This streamlines the way we

look at our print offerings, which remain a key part of our business, while also maximising the potential of the strongly performing digital publication TRAVELinc Memo in the past two years.’

ProMag also plans to strengthen its face-to-face opportunities with the market, building on its established major business event tradeshows – the Convene portfolio and PAICE – and adding one-off roadshow style events for business partners, a recent example of which was the Spain

Travel Workshop held in Auckland and organised by ProMag.

The directors wish to thank readers and advertisers for their loyalty and support during TRAVELinc Magazine’s 10-year history, and assures trade of an even greater partnership as it embraces a more modernised age in publishing.

For information and editorial contact Lisa Bradley on [email protected] and for advertising enquiries contact Cherie Final [email protected] or phone 0275 403 300.

Stu Freeman

India is famous for its wide range of family-friendly outdoor activities and nature experiences. The departures are around the school holidays starting Sep 2016 to July 2017. *T&Cs apply.

T: 0800 OPTION (0800 678 466) E: [email protected] www.totalholidayoptions.co.nz

TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS launches “FAMILY FUN IN INDIA”

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AsiaCat lovers are in for

a trip of a lifetime

Vietnam: the road less travelled

Touring company Ride and Seek has created a tour giving cyclists an opportunity to tour an off-the-beaten-track region in Vietnam.

Ha Giang, in the north-eastern corner of Vietnam, is relatively new to tourism, says Ride and Seek co-founder Dylan Reynolds. It features terraced rice paddies, forests limestone peaks and deep valleys.

Reynolds says the company was the first operator to run a road bike tour through the region, and today is offering a 10-day trip from 16 to 25 October. Prices start at US$3350.

He says the ride through Vietnam’s

Cyclists will meet many villagers along the way

Phot

o: P

hilip

Le M

asur

ier

Feng Shui followers are advised there are vacancies on a 10-day Chasing the Dragon – Feng Shui Tour of China in October.

The tour, which starts on 10 October, is escorted by Feng Shui Master Jodi Brunner. It is the fifth tour Brunner has undertaken, and has been developed to incorporate key features of Feng Shui.

Tour highlights include Beijing’s Forbidden City, Ancient Observatory, Prince Gong’s Mansion and access to private homes. It also covers The Great Wall, Xian and the Terracotta Warriors.

‘We explore how the locals live, try different types of food and travel in various forms of transport. I aim to provide an educational tour,’ Brunner says.

The tour costs A$3500 and starts and ends in Beijing (or Shanghai if preferred) and includes transport, accommodation, most meals, a Feng Shui kit, tour manual and exercises and daily lectures on Feng Shui. The gross price is commissionable by 20%[email protected]

Let the good times flow

‘last frontier’ is not for the faint-hearted. It includes rides to Don Van and the Chinese border plus a 25km climb to Sapa. www.rideandseek.com/local/vietnam

Fire up those bicyclesThe Tour of the Dragon in

Bhutan is considered to be one of the cycling world’s most challenging one-day events.

The race covers 268kms of Himalayan landscapes, taking cyclists from Bumthang to Thimphu on 3 September, 2016.

Bikers traverse mountains, forests, streams and rivers and four mountain passes. Elevations range from 1200 to 3340 metres.

For information email [email protected]

VIEW NOW

PHILIPPINESDISCOVER THE

[email protected]

AdVENTuRES FOR cycLISTS

Hot baths a welcome sight for cyclists

Explore is offering moderate-grade cyclists a 14-day Cycle Japan trip.

The venture takes in the coastal landscapes of Noto Peninsula and the highlands of Shirakawa-go. The tour will cycle along the Noto Peninsula, pedal through the highlands of Shirakawa-go and temples and gardens of Sojiji. Cyclists also head to Wakura Onsen to take a dip in the ancient hot baths.

Trips depart in October and May, 2017, and cost from $7550 per person. The price includes seven nights hotel and five nights guesthouse accommodation, seven other meals, a sushi-making class, bike hire, transport and cycle guide.


Asia

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has set up shop in Tokyo.

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is Starwood’s first luxury hotel in Japan’s capital city. It is also The Luxury Collection’s second hotel in Japan, following the debut of Suiran in Kyoto last year. The brand has more than 100 hotels in over 30 countries.

‘The growth of The Luxury Collection

reflects the heightened demand for experiential luxury travel,’ says Meredith Dichter, the company’s global brand director.

The hotel is located on six floors of a mixed-use development building comprised of commercial, residential, retail and entertainment spaces. It has 250 rooms, including 11 suites, and four restaurants and bars. CLICK HERE for details.

Tokyo – Starwood steps it up

Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights has been named the world's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records.

The nightly spectacle combines interactive lights on 33 key buildings on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Exotic Travel welcomes travellers to experience the event aboard a boat in the Victoria Harbour with a Symphony of Lights Cruise costing $83 for adults and $60 for children aged two to 11 years. The price includes drinks.

Email [email protected]

Let Hong Kong light up your life

Lights, camera, Hong Kong

Paris in MacaoThe Parisian Macao, the newest

addition to Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao will officially open on 13 September, 2016.

Guests can book now to receive a grand opening promotional rate starting from HK$1398.CLICK HERE for details.

All this, and sushi tooExplore is offering savings of up to

$480 per person on trips to Japan.The savings include an extra night's

accommodation in Tokyo and a complimentary sushi-making class on trips booked before 22 August.

The journeys include Highlights of Japan, a nine-day trip contrasting the bustle of Tokyo with the tranquility of Kyoto’s temples.

The trips depart in October, 2016, and during March and May next year. They cost $4069 per person, including seven nights hotel accommodation and one night at a ryokan (inn), a sushi-making class, transport and the guides.

Meanwhile, Explore’s 14-day Shogun Trail trip visits Japan’s iconic sites such as Hiroshima and islands of Ikitsuki. Also included is a boat trip along the Sumida River and visit to Hirado Island.

Trips depart in August, September and October, and cost from $6960 per person. This price includes 10 nights at a hotel and three nights guesthouse accommodation, a sushi-making class and transport.

Top suite: uS$10,000An Indonesian resort has just priced

its top suite at US$10,000 per night.The Sanchaya’s estate’s four-bedroom

beachfront presidential suite, the Vanda Villa, comes with an around-the-clock butler, a dedicated chef in its kitchen, private infinity pool and a separate guest house.

The Sanchaya is on Bintan, 45 minutes from Singapore by ferry, on a secluded stretch of beach.

Spanning a total of 1045sq m, The Vanda Villa has already played host to royal families from the Middle East, celebrities from around the world, private wedding parties and major product launches.

Each of the two-storey villa’s four bedrooms has king size beds and customised tiled bathrooms with separate Lefroy Brooks clawfoot baths and showers.

Other luxuries on offer include wine and cheese tastings with the estate’s sommelier, in-villa massages with a choice of customised chakras oils, and private sessions with the yoga instructor.

The Vanda’s technological charms include a Bang & Olufsen TV and sound systems, iPads with a broad spectrum of pre-loaded movies and Apple TV.www.thesanchaya.com


Cruising

AKL-PPT every MON/TUE/THU/FRI/SUN PPT-AKL every MON/WED/FRI/SAT/SUN

Princess Cruises’ 3082-guest Emerald Princess will be the largest superliner to enter New Zealand waters this summer when it arrives here in late November.

The Emerald Princess will arrive in her Sydney homeport on November 15, departing that day on her inaugural cruise to New Zealand where she will make her maiden call to Auckland on 24 November.

During her 13-night cruise, Emerald Princess will undertake scenic cruising through the Fiordland National Park as well as maiden visits to Dunedin (19 November), Akaroa (20 November), Picton (21 November), Tauranga (23 November)

Emerald Princess – a sight to sea

emerald Princess will cruise New Zealand this summer

and the Bay of Islands (25 November).The superliner has more than

12 dining options, including 125-seat restaurant SHARE by Curtis Stone. It also features onboard entertainment such as the musical Magic to Do. Emerald Princess has more than 1500 guest rooms, including nearly 900 balcony staterooms, eight showrooms and lounges, two nightclubs and four swimming pools.

Fares start from $1259 per person twin share for an 11-night South Pacific cruise departing Sydney on 21 January, 2017, and visiting five ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. www.princess.com

Contact Cherie on 09 818 7807 Extn 7 or [email protected]

Advertise your job vacancy in The Memo. Two insertions qualify for a free listing on

our website and facebook page.

Got some shoes to fill?


FRI19 DEC

2014



FRI19 DEC

2014

ISSUE687

ISSUE687 MEMOYour personal magazine

twice a week

FRI19 DEC

2014



MEMOYour personal magazine twice a week

FRI19 DEC

2014

ISSUE687

ISSUE687

MEMOYour personal magazine twice a week

Searching for Emperor penguins

Oceanwide Expeditions is offering late specials on its In search of the Emperor Penguin in the Weddell Sea cruise departing on 27 November.

The 11-day cruise from Ushuaia (Argentina) is now priced from US$8650 per person/quad or triple. Twin porthole costs from US$9485 per person/twin.

Clients travel onboard M/V Ortelius, a 116-passenger vessel rated as a comfortable hotel standard. The ship carries 10 zodiacs and two helicopters.

Searching for emperor Penguins with Oceanwide expeditions

The offer is valid for new bookings until 15 September. www.innovative-travel.com

ANZ SKY TOURS is looking for a Ticketing Manager (Western Cultural Background) to work with a team of

mainly Asian Background from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

TICKETING MANAGER

We need someone who is:• Naturally motivated by the

thought of unlimited earnings;• Takes responsibility for the

performance of the team and committed to it;

• Has profound industry knowledge and experiences adequate for the leadership of ticketing team

• A genuine passion for travel and the ability to inspire others;

• Motivation to work in the environment of cultural diversity.

ANZ SKY TOURS is a well-known Tour Operator/Travel Agent in

Auckland, and Asia Market oriented.

Salary: Based $60,000 plus Bonus

Email [email protected] or phone 021 671 131


Europe

Over 120 European destinations ... now that’s Wunderbar!

The Balkans and beyond

Fez Travel has expanded its range of tours in Greece as well as introduced group tours to The Balkans.

The group tours cover Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece and the European part of Turkey.

Fez says it has created signature tours to these areas to meet New Zealand traveller demand.

In 2017, the company will offer an even larger range of escorted tours and destinations that will also take in Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Egypt, Jordan,

Mykonos – Fez has it covered

Switzerland Tourism is encouraging visitors in Europe to attend the annual Basel Rhine Swim on 16 August.

The event, hosted by the Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG Basel, is designed to promote the city’s natural assets and a healthy lifestyle.

Director of Switzerland Tourism Australia and New Zealand Mark Wettstein says swimming in the Rhine

during summer is a popular local activity.

‘There is no better way to experience a city like a local than to jump in and do what they do,’ says Wettstein.

Rhine swimmers can drift down the river for about 15 minutes or for about 1.8km.

Go to www.myswitzerland.com and www.basel.ch

Tempo Holidays is offering early-bird savings of up to $245 per person on trips to Greece.

The savings, on 2017 cruises around the Greek Islands, represent a 20% discount.

This offer is available to bookings and payments made before 30 November.

Tempo also has a 10% discount offer on its 2017 Greek Island Hopping itineraries. www.tempoholidays.co.nz

Switzerland offers tourists a memorable way to cool off during the european summer

Swim the Rhine

Morocco, Cyprus and Turkey.For Greece info CLICK HERE.For The Balkans info CLICK HERE.

Greece is the word with Tempowww.sabreredworkspace.com


Americas – Africa

Brazil – Tempo has the hotspots coveredGlobus has unveiled a selection of

holidays in Latin America, including new tours in Brazil designed to capture the spirit of Rio after this year’s Olympic Games.

The Globus 2017 South and Central America brochure features 12 different itineraries throughout Latin America in addition to eight from sister brand Cosmos.

The tours are available with a 15% discount when booked by 13 September.

New itineraries include: Globus Brazilian Getaway, a seven-day tour combining Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls, from $3403 per person twin share; Globus Vineyards of South America, an 11-day journey among the wine regions of Argentina and Chile, $6066 per person twin share; Globus Wonders of

Mexico’s Yucatán – an eight-day focus on the peninsula’s Mayan attractions and colonial towns, from $2345 per person twin share; Cosmos Best of Brazil, an 11-day adventure combining Rio de Janeiro with Salvador and the Amazon Jungle, from $3611 per person twin share; Cosmos Costa Rica Escape and an eight-day circuit from San José visiting jungles, mountains, volcanoes and hot springs, from $1487 per person twin share.

The above tours include the 15% discount.

Other tours take in the sights and cities of Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico.www.globustours.co.nz www.cosmostours.co.nz

Rio: Globus gets in on the game

Rio – Globus is on the ball in the wake of Rio2016 Rising from the ashes

Explora Atacama in Chile will be back in business during January next year.

The luxury hotel, and hub for exploration to the world’s driest desert, has undergone a redesign following a fire in October 2015.

Under the redevelopment, new roads have also been constructed to give guests fresh areas to explore.

To mark the reopening, reservations made by 30 March, 2017, will receive the first night free.

The promotion is valid for a minimum of three-night stays until 30 April, 2017. Former Explora travellers will receive an addition 5% discount.

Contact www.vivaexpeditions.com

DAILY VIA BOTH BRISBANE & SYDNEY - NON-STOP - VANCOUVER and onto...

Johannesburg – expect delays

International travellers are experiencing significant delays at Johannesburg’s O.R Tambo International Airport following the introduction of a biometric system, World Journeys advises.

The system was introduced last week. World Journeys urges agents to allow

for a minimum two-and-a-half hour connection time between all commercial flights.

For Federal Air flights, World Journeys recommends adding an additional 30 minutes at least to normal connection guidelines.

It is unclear as to how long these delays will last.

DISCOVER MORE

WELCOME TO A

WORLDOF GOOD


Airlines

LAX: Terminal 6’s changing face

Westfield is introducing a ‘Sunset Boulevard’ dining concept in Terminal 6 at LAX.

Blu2o is the newest restaurant among the growing number of food and drink outlets.

Its chef David Myers has designed a seaside-inspired menu that includes beach bites and cocktails.

It joins Point The Way Café and earthbar which opened in June, Osteria by Fabio Viviani, Starbucks Evenings, The Habit Burger Grill, The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco in the line-up of popular eateries.

‘Working with LAWA, we are helping create a seamless customer experience that journeys through three distinct buildings, similar to how Sunset Boulevard meanders across our great city,’ says Keith Kaplan, Westfield’s vice president at LAX.

Blue2o is the latest addition to the Terminal 6 family

AMS/MAD/RT/30KGS/FROM $1,799 + TAXES CLICK HEREGreat service. Great people.Great fares.

FARE uPdATES

Everybody is welcome in Taipei

Taipei has put the welcome mat out for all at its four Plaza Premium Lounges – the world largest independent airport lounge network.

The lounges are available to all passengers regardless of their airline or class of travel. Plaza Premium Group founder and CEO Song Hoi-see says it has opened the lounges to not only lift Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, but help transform it into the preferred transit hub in east Asia.

The lounges span more than 2500sq m and comfortably seat about 600 people. Facilities include the brand’s signature honeycomb seating, hot showers, private

resting suites, VIP rooms, meeting rooms, electrical outlets, international TV channels, complimentary wifi, newspapers and magazines.

Live cooking stations will also serve international cuisine.

The basic lounge-use package costs A$54 for two hours.

Last days for VS London fares Virgin Atlantic’s (VS) short life fares from Auckland to London finish on Monday, 1 August. Economy fares start from $1794 return including taxes. Routing via USA, SHA and HKG: AKL – NZ – LAX/SFO – VS – LHR or AKL – NZ – PVG/HKG – VS - LHR. Travel period 10 October to 30 November; 16 January to 24 March 2017. Upper business class from $6941 return. PE and sharp OW fares also available. Refer to GDS or contact World Aviation Systems.

HKG to BOMJet Airways (9W) has departure times that work well with connecting services to Auckland - 9W75 HKG BOM 1955 0015 +1; 9W76 BOMHKG 0205 0955. Return fares start from $741, including taxes, valid year round. Refer to GDS or contact World Aviation Systems.

London City Airport’s £344 million expansion plan has been given the government nod.

Airport expansions include a new taxiway, additional aircraft stands, a terminal extension and upgraded public transportation links.

The expansion is expected to increase the number of take-offs and landings at the airport from 70,000 to 111,000.

In 2015, the Docklands airport had 4.3 million passengers. It’s estimated the number of passengers will hit

six million a year by 2023.The project is expected to create

1600 airport jobs, and could generate up to £1.5 billion to the UK economy by 2025.

Chancellor Philip Hammond says the move will strengthen London’s links to destinations across the world.

‘Making it easier to visit and do business in the City of London will help drive forward our economy and further strengthen the city’s status as the world’s leading financial centre.’

London shores up its tourism future with airport upgrade


New Zealand

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After more than a decade selling Wellington as a leading conference and incentive destination, Martin Boland is moving to a new challenge.

Boland will take on the role of area sales manager for Wellington Management Group from 15 August. His primary focus will be the promotion of the company’s new Park Hotel on The Terrace.

The first stage of the new property, due to open in mid to late August, will encompass 136 rooms of ‘at least four, perhaps 4.5 star standard’, Boland says.

The hotel will include Sterling, a restaurant owned and operated by Simon Pepping and Stephanie Meyers, the pair behind the highly successful Egmont Street Eatery.

The new Park Hotel is being converted from unused office space by developer Alex Cassels, who is also planning further accommodation developments to add to Wellington’s tourism infrastructure.

After 13 years with the Wellington

Martin Boland will still be ‘playing with the team’ in his new role

Boland moves on to pastures newConvention Bureau, most recently in the role of business development manager, Boland says the move will be a big change and an exciting challenge. ‘This is a good opportunity with a respected Wellington company that delivers quality products and has big expectations.’

Boland says he’ll still be ‘playing with the team’, as in the Wellington industry partners he has enjoyed working with in his role at the bureau. ‘The highlight of this role would have to have been the amazing amount of fantastic people I’ve met and worked with, the camaraderie and that creative spirit; the can-do attitude we as Kiwis have. People thrive on it and that’s what gets me going.’

Meanwhile, WREDA, the new agency that merges Positively Wellington Tourism, Positively Wellington Venues and Grow Wellington, is expected to announce its new structure in early August, following the recent appointment of senior management roles.

Fun that doesn’t cost the earth

Lonely Planet has put the microscope value-for-money experiences, and the wallet-friendly acknowledgment extends to New Zealand.

Lonely Planet’s The Best Things in Life are Free, to be published on 9 August, is a $32.99 guide to some of the best-value sights and experiences around the world.

The 304-page book gives economical ups to the North Island’s art-deco Napier; Auckland Art Gallery; Len Lye Centre; Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve; Hot Water Beach; Karangahake Gorge; Kuirau Park, Rotorua; Tongariro Alpine Crossing; Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market; Pasifika Festival and Wellington Summer City.

And, in the South Island, the Canterbury Museum; Eastern Southland Gallery; Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct; $5 gigs at the Mussel Inn, Golden Bay; The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film sets; Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre; Catlins Wildlife Tour; Avalanche Peak climbs; Kaikoura seal colony; Kiwi-spotting on Stewart Island; Stargaze in the Mackenzie Country; watching bungy jumpers; West Coast Wilderness Trail; cockling at Marahau; Marlborough wine tasting; Christchurch’s World Buskers Festival and Queenstown Winter Festival are named as excellent value.

Queenstown in the springtime

Destination Queenstown this week kicked off a Countdown to Spring campaign designed to entice Australian travellers to the tourist hotspot outside the peak season.

The campaign encourages Australians to explore, discover and plan a trip to the lake and alpine resort.

Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd says the destination has more to offer in spring, when longer sunshine hours allow visitors to pack more activities into each day.

‘Spring in Queenstown is a season like no other with bluebird days, a range of ski areas offering great terrain, combined with adventure activities and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for après ski.’

The campaign uses bite-sized films to showcase the destination through the eyes of Australians dreaming of being there.

To view the campaign CLICK HERE.

The dates for Queenstown’s new four-day Queenstown Winter Festival have been confirmed for 22 to 25 June, 2017.

The official celebration to mark the beginning of Queenstown’s winter season is being reshaped into a

shorter, four-day event from next year. The dates are timed to be around two

weeks after the scheduled start to the ski season but before the Australian and New Zealand school holidays.

American Express Queenstown Winter Festival director Lisa

Buckingham says the revamped festival will retain community events and promote new ones.

Planning for the 2017 event is in full swing, with the focus now on working with sponsors and stakeholders to design a new programme.

dates set for Queenstown winter festival


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Aloft sets sights on Melbourne

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will debut its modern and edgy Aloft brand with the opening of Aloft Melbourne South Yarra in early 2019.

The new build hotel will be located at 402 Chapel Street in South Yarra, a trendy Melbourne shopping and entertainment district. Each of the 176 rooms will feature the brand’s signature high ceilings, oversized windows and large walk-in showers.

Guests will be able to re-energise in the Re:charge fitness centre and grab a bite to eat at Re:fuel by Aloft a one stop,

24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area. The hotel will also feature a roof top terrace, swimming pool, parking facilities and 300sqm of function rooms, all equipped with the latest generation of audio-visual hardware.

Aloft Melbourne

Oak launches new look in Glenelg

To mark the launch of its new look guest rooms, Oaks Liberty Towers is offering winter accommodation deals, starting $139 per night, for a one-bedroom apartment.

The deal is for a minimum two night, mid-week stay) and includes a $20 food and beverage voucher, free wifi and a bonus midday late checkout.

The South Australian hotel has undertaken a significant refurbishment of its self-contained accommodation, investing $1 million into refreshing the resort’s one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Located in the popular coastal suburb of Glenelg, 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, Oaks Liberty Towers is close to Glenelg Beach, Moseley Square and the seaside-dining precinct of Jetty Road, plus sister property Oaks Plaza Pier.

Nearing the final stages of completion, the redevelopment will officially be unveiled in August.www.oakshotels.com

Oaks Liberty Towers in Glenelg has

been redeveloped

Time for tennisWilliment Sports Travel has

Australian Tennis Open packages for 2017.

Clients can see the finale action with either a three-night Quarter-Finals Tour starting from $1850 per person or a three-night Finals Experience Tour starting from $1875pp.

With Williment’s packages, guests can access an exclusive behind-the-scenes Australian Open tour, stay in a high standard hotel and watch the action alongside like-minded tennis fans. There is also flexibility to ‘create-your-own’ Australian Open package according to specific match requirements.www.williment.co.nz

WA famils in planAgent familiarisation tours to Western

Australia with both Qantas and Air New Zealand are in the pipeline and details are being worked on now.

Kate Wright, manager New Zealand Tourism Western Australia, says the trade should keep an eye for dates.

‘We are working our way through the new strategy and will be building n the good work that Louise Frend and Lisa D’Souza have done in the marketplace,’ says Wright.

‘Over the next 12 months we will be rolling out the Just Another Day in WA campaign and its various elements – particularly the digital content and the user generated content.’

Wright says that the destination will also host PR and media famils to boost consumer awareness.


Pacific

Agents Alisa and Pa from GO Holidays participated in a self famil programme to Niue, here’s what they had to say.

Trade enquires: Hogan & Associates [email protected]

09 489 7844

“Amazing. Niue is so beautiful and so unspoilt! The lifestyle and people are so relaxed and friendly, and I would love to return with my family. I will

now sell this destination confidently to our agents and clients.”

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Resort opens new garden villa

Naisoso Island Resort Villas has opened a new garden villa.

The holiday home has four bedrooms that can sleep up to eight adults, plus an additional four guests. It also has three bathrooms.

The villa’s large private deck comprises of a swimming pool, gazebo, sun loungers, BBQ and indoor bar area.

There is also a fully equipped kitchen, large living area, Pure Fiji products and daily servicing.

The resort is offering a promotional opening rate of F$1250 on the villa.

Ambassador puts the tourism ball in north Fiji’s court

Professional Fijian footballer Roy Krishna has been named as the brand ambassador for Fiji Airways and its subsidiary Fiji Link.

Krishna, who is captain of the Fijian national football team and plays for the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, is one of Fiji’s most recognisable athletes and the country’s only professional footballer abroad.

‘I’m honoured and excited to join the Fiji Airways team and my fellow ambassadors, to promote our home to the world,’ Krishna says.

The footballer is particularly keen to promote north Fiji, including his hometown of Labasa as well as Savusavu and Taveuni.

Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen

adds: ‘One of our most popular Fiji Link routes is Labasa and anyone who has met Roy will attest he is fiercely passionate about his hometown.’

Roy Krishna is looking forward to promoting his

hometown of Labasa


News

editor: Lisa Bradley [email protected]: Stu Freeman, Ruth Scott and Aleisha Moore Graphics: Julie Wadman

PO Box 60154 Titirangi, Auckland 0642Ph: + 64 9 818 7807 Mob + 027 266 1948 www.travelinc.co.nzCopyright: No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without the prior written approval of the publisher.




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Covering the complete travel distribution chain

www.travelinc.co.nzJune – July 2016

Blazing a trail Rail Plus right on track

South America Why we are in ore of New Caledonia

Airline special: who’s winning?

Solomon Islands

‘We could all take a lesson from the weather! It disregards all criticism and nothing changes’.

Move to TitirangiGlenn Warrington has joined World Travellers Titirangi in West

Auckland as senior travel consultant. He was previously with House of Travel Ponsonby for three and

a half years and has had stints with Flight Centre and also 277 Newmarket, before making a change to House of Travel Newmarket.

Keeping Anzac day alive

Albatross Tours is taking bookings for its Anzac Day on the Western Front tour designed to immerse travellers into the World War I experiences of the country’s diggers.

The 10-day tour costs $4268 per person twin share, and departs Paris on 18 April, 2017. The trip is escorted by a tour manager, includes transport in a first class touring coach, nine nights hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, four dinners, extensive touring of the World War I battlefields, sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees.

New Zealand-based event organisers who attended this week’s Convene Q have hailed the show as one of the best of its type.

Jono Park of Type 40 Events says this Convene Q was a fantastic exhibition. ‘I loved the pace of Convene Q, it gave me the opportunity to wander the floor.’

Corrina Homer from Mediaworks says she had high quality meetings at the event.

Alison Smyth, of Auckland’s Extra Mile Company, took part in a Sunshine Coast pre-familiarisation tour as well as the expo itself. It was a first time visit to Australia for the Irish national.

Travellers will retrace the footsteps of the soldiers throughout the Western Front – from the trench warfare on the Somme and Flanders battlefields to the Last Post under the Menin Gate in Ypres.www.albatrosstours.co.nz

Mark your calendars for convene 2017‘It will be a trip I will definitely

remember. I have ticked off many bucket-list experiences, especially seeing kangaroos It was also a great eye opener and I came back with many ideas for our groups.’

Meanwhile, the date for next year’s event has been locked in for Tuesday, July 18. It will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The 2017 programme will again feature a regional focus through the floor plan and a pre-show famil programme.

For details on next year’s event, contact Ally Eastaugh at [email protected]

date set for AccorHotels’ big event in Auckland

What is generally regarded as the largest annual hotel expo in New Zealand, the AccorHotels Showcase (formerly known as World of Accor) will be held in Auckland on Tuesday 6 September, 2016.

Taking place at Pullman Auckland, it will provide New Zealand travel agents, wholesalers, corporate clients, tourism partners and meeting organisers the opportunity to catch up with AccorHotels accommodation trends, news and resorts from across the world.

It will be the first time that the group’s newest acquisitions including Fairmont, Raffles, Swissotel and OneFineStay will be included.

It is set to attract over 500 guests between 4pm – 8pm, and registered

guests will have the chance to win a ‘Life is Magnifique in Wellington’ grand prize. It includes return flights for two to Wellington, two nights in the luxurious Le Miellerie Suite including breakfast for two at Wellington’s newest five-star hotel Sofitel Wellington, a Sofitel ‘My Bed’, a $5,000 designer shopping spree at the new David Jones department store and VIP surprises.

Other travel prizes to be won include trans-Tasman flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Emirates featuring three nights’ accommodation in each location, as well as two return flights with Fiji Airways and five night’s accommodation at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa’s new Waitui Beach Club. CLICK HERE for details.


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2014 & 2015 Ignore Webjet’s puerile shot, TAANZ advises ...taanz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/TRavelinc... · Tel: 09 966 2549 DDI [email protected] 15 years in the business